A journey of survival against all odds

This is Michael again. Stephanie has responded well to the EVD, which has almost constantly been draining spinal fluid since it was implanted Friday afternoon. Since several hours after that surgery, Stephanie has been much more alert and responsive. She still has spells of confusion but not to the extent they were a few days ago. While spending most of her time in bed, where she needs to be to keep her head level for draining, she has managed to get up a few times to go for a short walk. On one of those walks, she personally delivered some Krispy Kreme donuts to Katie and her awesome team of nurses and staff helping her out.

Unfortunately Stephanie has still been in quite a bit of pain. They’ve tried several different pain killers to help, and they provide temporary relief but usually wear off before she can take another dose. Her appetite has returned and she hasn’t been as nauseous (knock on wood), so there are positives and negatives.

Based on the fact that her cognitive abilities have improved with the EVD and the fact that the cultures of her spinal fluid so far have been negative to infection, the doctors are planning on pressing forward tomorrow (Tuesday) with another brain surgery. This one will remove the EVD and replace it with a shunt, which is a more permanent way to drain spinal fluid due to excess pressure without forcing her to be constrained to an external device and have to keep her head level with it at all times.

Please continue to pray for her, as well as for her neuro surgeon and his team as they prepare for this procedure. And thank you again for all the prayers you’ve already prayed as well as support you’ve shown Stephanie, me, and our families through these difficult times. Although we may not respond to every text, call, message, email, or post, we love reading them when we can and knowing how many people are thinking of us and praying for us.

Thank you for the update Michael. We think of Stephanie every day and are continuing to pray for all of you. Stephanie is a tough girl and we hope that this part subsides for the better. God bless, Cheryl & Joe ☘🕇

Michael, Thank you for sharing this encouraging news! It’s good to see a photo of Stephanie with a big smile on her face. Also, the fact that she is thinking of others by bringing the nursing staff doughnuts is beautiful to see. Please know that she has been and will continue to be in my prayers, especially during her surgery tomorrow. You and your families have been in my thoughts and prayers as well. Take care.

Thank you, Michael, for the encouraging update. We will continue our prayers, tonight’s especially for tomorrow’s surgery-a successful recovery for Stephanie, strength for you, and guidance for her medical team.

Praying for a successful surgery tomorrow, less pain, for all those caring for you (especially the surgeons), and peace only God can give you for thou and your family. Love the way you show God’s love with a beautiful smile and such a wonderful attitude. God bless you all.

Wow. Even in pain, with everything going on, you still manage to think of others. What an exceptional human being. I’m so grateful God had our paths intersect, even if just for the tiniest moments, because He is showing me an incredible example of selfless love by just you being yourself.

Krispy Kremes are the BEST, btw!

Y’all are always in my prayers and I will permanently add your medical team to my list from here on out. God bless you all.

Praying for you in Texas tonight. I have followed your story from the beginning. Because of Stephanie, I have had a renewed love and commitment towards praying the Rosary. I don’t know you all personally, but do have family experience with GB. I look often for updates and will continue to pray!

Stephanie, Michael and Sarah–May the healing hands of God guide the neurosurgeon today and may the shunt provide relief and some stabilization for you. You are suffering like Jesus –He is your joy and strength. God be with you all every minute of every day. Lorraine Conway in NH

Prayer continues for Stephanie, for her nurses and surgical teams …she is SUCH a a strong woman. Going through all she has, and will, and still sharing her beautiful smile. You, Stephanie and Sarah are so lucky to have one another in your lives…God wrap all of you in His most loving arms.

How beautiful that Stephanie is still thinking of others and offering her gratitude, even in the midst of extreme pain!

I have a Caring Bridge site for my own health condition. It’s similar to this blog, that it’s a way to share my story and also my faith journey with others. I receive treatments that have very difficult side effects, including severe migraines & aseptic meningitis. On Saturday night, I was able to offer up my pain for Stephanie and your family. I also put out a prayer SOS for all of you. Now you have more prayer warriors added to your team!!

I came across this website a couple days ago and wanted to share. Maybe you’ve heard of it, but I thought it wouldn’t hurt to pass it along just in case. You are constantly in my prayers!https://www.chrisbeatcancer.com

Hi guys! Thank you both for posting your story and faith here for us all to see. Your courage is inspiring. I’m sorry to hear that she is in pain, but things should be better when she gets beyond all these surgeries! I’m praying for you all. Have faith, and save some of the donuts for yourselves too =)

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